Stones has not played since starting the 3-0 victory over Young Boys on 7 November but was on the bench for Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Liverpool.
However, the England international was not used and the City boss says he will not take any chances with his return to action.
“He feels good but I want to give him one week or two weeks to do proper strength training sessions,” Guardiola said.
“He’s so important for us but maybe his muscles are not completely ready.
“He’s going to train with us, partially or completely, and the rest he’s going to do proper strength sessions in his legs to make sure he feels stronger. We need him for a lot of games.”
While the absence of Stones is a big loss, it has been offset by the outstanding form of Manuel Akanji, who has taken his role as an extra holding midfielder.
Guardiola hailed the performance of the Swiss international alongside Rodrigo against Liverpool and said he was an amazing signing by Director of Football Txiki Begiristain on deadline day last summer.
“Manu started to play in those positions, we spent a lot of time about the way you have to move, and against Liverpool, Manu and Rodri, it was a masterpiece from them,” the boss added.
“They moved at the right tempo and at the right moment, they look at each other and break the lines, kept contact with the wingers, it was really good. Manu, hats off.
“The game at Chelsea was the same. I know the man of the match was Jeremy [Doku] but at Stamford Bridge and [against Liverpool], Manu was unbelievable.
“What a signing the club has done, he can play full-back and central defender, now holding midfielder. Arriving in the final third he has the ability to make passes and is so strong. What a player Txiki has brought me here.”
Mateo Kovacic and Matheus Nunes were missing from the matchday squad along with Jack Grealish who was a late withdrawal through illness.
But Sergio Gomez was involved after injury while Guardiola says that our latest England international Rico Lewis is set to feature in the Champions League clash with RB Leipzig on Tuesday.
“John [will be] a little bit longer, Mateo is not a big issue but still he is out a little bit, Sergio is back, but it is what it is,” Guardiola said.
“We have two goalkeepers on the bench but it’s fine. Rico is ready and can play in five positions.
“We are going to use him on Tuesday, I’m pretty sure. I have no complaints. Everyone is really pleased.”
